In early 2007 Tesco opened an Express store in Bitterne Park. Residents objected to the store because of the impact on traffic congestion, and questioned whether there was a need for a further Tesco store in Southampton. After the store opened, Tesco applied for retrospective planning permission for features of the store that it had not received full planning permission for.

Campaigners launched protests against the creation of a Sainsbury's megastore, home delivery depot, and housing development in Eastleigh. The plans would have seen part of a recreation ground being built on with the loss of 5000 sq ft of parkland, including 51 trees.